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Hong Kong has unveiled its first-known dinosaur fossils, discovered on the remote Port Island, known for its striking red rock formations. This milestone, celebrated at the Heritage Discovery Centre in Kowloon Park, marks a significant leap for paleontological research in the region.
The fossils, believed to belong to a large dinosaur from the Cretaceous period (145 to 66 million years ago), have already piqued the interest of scientists and the public alike. Though further studies are underway to determine the exact species, experts have confirmed these remains are from a sizable vertebrate, adding to Hong Kong’s scientific legacy. This discovery is especially notable for its location on Port Island, an area that had long been suspected to harbor prehistoric secrets due to its unique sedimentary rocks.
The discovery has led to a collaboration between Hong Kong’s scientific community and China’s Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology (IVPP), which signed an agreement for further research on the fossils. Michael Pittman, assistant professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong’s School of Life Sciences, emphasized the significance of the find, stating, “This discovery adds a local dimension to Hong Kong’s contributions to dinosaur research. I hope it will spark greater community interest in science and lead to meaningful scientific insights.”
Local residents were thrilled by the unveiling. One of the first attendees, 66-year-old Chong Got, shared his surprise: “I never imagined Hong Kong would have dinosaur fossils—this is truly remarkable.”
With Hong Kong now joining regions like Argentina, Canada, and the U.S. as a site of major fossil discoveries, the find is expected to enrich understanding of the area’s ancient ecosystems and encourage future research and community engagement in natural sciences.
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